Retired Covenant pastor David William Johnson died
Saturday, April 13, 2024, in
Daytona Beach, Florida. He was 88.
Dave was born on April 6, 1936, to Reverend Walter and Esther Johnson in Oakland, California. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to Everett, Washington, where his father had accepted the pastorate at First Covenant Church of Everett. That was Dave’s home for the next 14 years. While there he was very involved in his schools, sports, church, and Covenant Beach Bible Camp.
In 1950, Dave’s life changed radically when his father accepted a call to serve Malmo Covenant Church in the plains of rural Alberta, Canada. Since there were no high schools nearby, Dave enrolled in a correspondence program offered through the University of Alberta. This was a major transition for him, and he spent his first three high school years sitting alone in the Malmo parsonage studying. It proved to be a very instructive time for him, turning disappointment into hope while developing unique disciplines in study and preparation. He also learned to skate, play hockey, and ride horseback, all while working summers in the wheat fields. For his senior year, Dave attended Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was a remarkable opportunity to experience the richness of high school and the sense of community.
Following graduation from Minnehaha, Dave attended North Park Junior College in Chicago for his first two years and then graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1958. It was during this time that he sensed God’s call to the ministry, and thus returned to North Park for theological training. Part of his seminary work included an internship at two small churches in the heart of Pennsylvania—Renovo and Lanse.
During his time there he met the love of his life, Kay Lynn Goode. They married on August 18, 1962. Upon graduation from North Park Seminary in 1963, they moved to Norway, Michigan, where Dave became pastor of the Norway Covenant Church. While there, Dave and Kay welcomed daughter Sheri and son Kurt.
Dave and Kay had a distinctive partnership in ministry. They were truly a team and fully supported the gifts of one another in the life of the church. From Norway, they served Covenant churches in East Northport, New York; Fargo, North Dakota; San Jose, California; Azusa, California; Libertyville, Illinois; Venice, Florida; and St Petersburg, Florida.
He served as an Annual Meeting officer and on various conference boards and committees.
Dave’s love for Christ and the Covenant was evident as he served congregants with love and compassion. He was truly a gentle shepherd. He took on the many challenges of the church with a sense of grace and hope. His spiritually thoughtful sermons were filled with relevant stories and humor. His pastoral presence was evident in a voice that loved to sing.
Dave and Kay loved to travel and experienced many trips throughout the world, documenting them voraciously with his beloved camera. He was a devout Dodgers and Packers fan and had a special place in his heart for the Cubs.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife Kay in December 2022 after their move to Port Orange, Florida. He is survived by his daughter, Sheri Myers (Chip); his son, Kurt (Diane), and four grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 18, at 2 pm at Community Methodist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Memorial contributions are welcomed to the Walter and Esther Johnson and Dave and Kay Johnson Seminary Scholarship Fund at North Park University.
Peace be to his memory.
